Introducing the Procurement Process

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to explain the procurement process.

Procurement Process Overview

Procurement is the process of acquiring goods or services from external sources. ​

In a business-to-business (B2B) environment, procurement involves the interaction between buyers and suppliers. Procurement can be ​divided into two primary categories: Direct and Indirect.

Direct procurement refers to the purchasing of raw materials, components, and finished products that are directly related to the core business activities and the production of goods and services. For example: A car manufacturer purchases steel, tires, engines, and other parts from various suppliers to assemble their vehicles. ​

​Indirect procurement encompasses the purchase of goods and services that are not directly linked to the core business activities. These goods and services are vital for the smooth functioning and upkeep of the organization. These may include items like office supplies, utilities, travel arrangements, and IT services. For example: A car manufacturer purchases office furniture, stationery, cleaning services, and catering services for their employees and offices.

Play the video to learn about the main steps in the procurement process.

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